TBird41
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Post by TBird41 on Mar 26, 2005 0:54:59 GMT -5
So can we all just agree that refs, as a species, suck?
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SaxaCD
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Post by SaxaCD on Mar 26, 2005 7:46:38 GMT -5
They didn't get jobbed, that guy from Villanova took a bus to the hoop -- great idea, but he stopped dribbling and then just ran three steps toward the hoop like a halfback before shooting. Gutsy and correct call by the refs. I wish they'd missed that call, but I can't blame the refs for doing their job correctly!
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DanMcQ
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Post by DanMcQ on Mar 26, 2005 10:08:16 GMT -5
My favorite TV moment last night was listening to Pretty Boy Nance opine about what a great job Tom Izzo had done guarding Redick. Huh? Did any of you see Izzo in green shorts last night? These guys need to listen to the tapes of what they are saying once in awhile. People get all over Vitale because of his coach worship, but Nance and Packer are just as guilty.
By the way, Packer makes the same comments every game. He just changes the names he makes them about. They guy hasn't said anything new in years.
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FLHoya
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Post by FLHoya on Mar 26, 2005 11:13:43 GMT -5
My favorite TV moment last night was listening to Pretty Boy Nance opine about what a great job Tom Izzo had done guarding Redick. Huh? Did any of you see Izzo in green shorts last night? These guys need to listen to the tapes of what they are saying once in awhile. People get all over Vitale because of his coach worship, but Nance and Packer are just as guilty. By the way, Packer makes the same comments every game. He just changes the names he makes them about. They guy hasn't said anything new in years. They also have the annoying tendency to do two things: 1. Say something positive about a player right before he screws up. 2. Find a way to compliment a player on whatever team they're rooting for that night, right after he's made a bad play. Someone will throw up a brick, but as they're coming down one of them (usually Billy) will say "that was a really nice drive by Redick" or "great use of the ball screen by Ewing". It's like they refuse to admit they made a wrong assessment and they stick with it. They'd be great at getting those things called "follow through points/marks" on AP and IB math exams. These are where at some point early on in a long calculus problem or such, you make a small mistake with a number or something, and it throws off the rest of the calculations and you get the answer wrong. But if the grader thinks it was just a small mistake, but you "followed through" and at least got the steps right, they'll salvage some partial credit for you. So let's say JJ Redick comes of a screen and tries to penetrate, using that lower the shoulder, balance with the arm move that commentators love but I like to call "a borderline offensive foul". Billy Packer gushes "What a great drive by Redick, he's really improved that part of his game this year!" while the play is STILL going on. And Redick runs head-on into Torbert, coughs up the ball, Jim Nantz will call the change of possession, and as State's coming up Billy will say "What a great drive by Redick!" It's NOT A GOOD DRIVE if it ends in a turnover there, Billy P! That exact situation I made up, but several happen in Nantz/Packer games. I'm trying to think of the four major sports, college basketball and football, and the golf majors (where Jim's also involved), is there a less distinguished/talented/watchable group than Jim and Billy? I'd put them at least 5th just on the list of CBS NCAA commentators I'd rather hear off the top of my head--behind Lundquist/Raf, Gus Johnson, Craig Bolerjack, and Dick Enberg (and that last one is alarming). The other thing I really hated about last night's Duke-MSU telecast was during the inter-game period, Gumbel threw it to Bonnie Bernstein, who was doing the "interview the losing coach outside the locker room in somber tones" deal with Coach K. I'm sorry--who except Coach K ever gets that kind of treatment except for the losing coach in the National Title game? What other losing coach was even interviewed at all last night? I think even more than announcers gushing over Redick, Ewing, etc., it is events like this one that make me angry about favoritism of Duke. The implication was clearly that CBS thought it a "huge" deal that Duke lost, and was treating it like a bigger game than any other to this point--almost like a mini-national title game with that nonsense with Bonnie. I personally like the fact that there was nothing fluky about last night's game--no last second shot, no MSU playing to Nova in 85-like perfection, or Duke flopping (guys had bad games but the team shot 43%). The turnovers I saw as Michigan State putting the bodies out high near halfcourt and challenging the less physical Duke team to make their move past them...and they didn't. MSU just played consistently better if not necessarily inspiring basketball for the full 40. It's starting to be not surprising to see Duke lose in the Sweet 16--what is this now, three of four years? Fine by me...now I can turn the sound back on safely.
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RDF
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Post by RDF on Mar 26, 2005 11:37:24 GMT -5
Gotta agree FLHoya!! I think the use of the word "GREAT" is not only out of hand but Packer and Nantz will throw bouquets at any player who makes a shot, let alone a move that is athletic.
I will say that I saw Lorenzo Romar interviewed after Louisville beat the Huskies Thursday night and for some reason I always think of former Hoya Michael Jackson when I see Romar on sidelines--upclose they don't look alike, but a slight resemblance.
My favorite pastime of Duke losing is we get to hear about RELATIONSHIPS and the nasal commentary from the Rodent Coach K "I don't care one thing about winning when I have kids like INSERT DUKE SENIOR HERE". Sure K, I guess those kids who suffered through the Pete Gaudet season meant as much to you even though they didn't even make the NIT!!
Duke is Jersey's team and for some reason CBS is obsessed with both. Not a knock on the announcers as I don't mind them, but it's very strange how easily they can be tied together and how they're taking over broadcasting. I can't wait to hear Jason "Torque or is it Biker Boy" Williams announce his first game next year. Afterall, where is Dick "Dookie V" Vitale from?? So I guess it's something the suits at CBS can only explain but they love Duke and feel that team was a "GREAT" team. They were not very good and won more than expected due to a mediocre year for CBB and their terribly SOFT Non Conference schedule. For all the talk of their "tough schedule" take a closer look and see who and WHERE they played most of their Non Conference games. You'll see a schedule that would get a team like GTown no mention but gets Duke a 10 spot on ESPN with Vitale praising them to the point he reaches orgasm.
If you are annoyed now, just wait until JJ Redick gets the ANNUAL Duke Award for Player of the Year for no reason other than being at the "greatest program in the history of the world". They'll also get Shelden Williams the Defensive Player of the Year award which has gone to such stalwarts as WOJO-who defended the floor more than his opposition and Duhon who was a terrible on ball defender and was blown by so much you'd have thought it was Bobby Hurley and Jason Williams in a street race. ;D
As for the comments that Nantz and Packer made about "Izzo defending Redick", don't you realize that in CBB it's all about the COACHES and players are just pawns manipulated by these great leaders and teachers?? Afterall, their talents/abilities mean nothing if it wasnt for the sharp dressed guys on the sideline who yell and scream at them and officials the entire game.
Ive learned one thing in watching sports--the LESS someone talks about themselves and draws attention to themself, the better they are as a coach/player. Let your work speak for itself and we'll all be able to see it. No need to have 100 commercials telling us what/who you are, or commentators emphasizing the usage of a backdoor cut/screen as if you've cured Cancer. It's a game and meant to be enjoyed for the player's talents and competition, not to see shots of Coaches who are on sidelines acting like immature idiots.
Just another reason I'm PROUD to have JT III leading the Hoyas.
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DanMcQ
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Post by DanMcQ on Mar 26, 2005 15:12:25 GMT -5
RDF - you must have seen the K post-game conference where he gushed about "the kids" and said the locker room was full of crying, which was a sign it was a GREAT year yet again. I had to open a new box of kleenex, then visit www.coachk.com for inspiration to tide me through the emotional tsunami.
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Post by jerseyhoya34 on Mar 26, 2005 15:14:47 GMT -5
RDF - you must have seen the K post-game conference where he gushed about "the kids" and said the locker room was full of crying, which was a sign it was a GREAT year yet again. I had to open a new box of kleenex, then visit www.coachk.com for inspiration to tide me through the emotional tsunami. The cheerleaders were crying before the end of the game. Can't say I was...
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DanMcQ
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Post by DanMcQ on Mar 26, 2005 16:55:30 GMT -5
We were de-K'd yesterday, now PLEASE rid us all of the Little Rickies!
Good omen? Timmy Higgins is doing the game.
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DFW HOYA
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Post by DFW HOYA on Mar 26, 2005 21:39:31 GMT -5
Wow. Illinois really did it.
To be down 15 with 4:00 to play and come back was something to see.
I still have Illinois and Carolina for the finals. Don't count out UI in that one, either.
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RDF
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Post by RDF on Mar 26, 2005 21:52:25 GMT -5
That Illinois-Arizona game brings up two points I've always felt strongly about:
1. When you have the lead and some is pressuring you, ATTACK until the lead is so big they call of the dogs. Arizona allowed the game to get closer by playing the clock and not taking advantage of the 2/1 breaks they had. You have someone down, BURY THEM. I'm the type of competitor I'd have told my team we'd keep scoring, and then laugh at all of those Illini fans in attendance as I told Bruce Weber to grow up and quit his crying and acting like a damn punk.
2. Officials get influenced by the aggressor and Illinois got away with two fouls in last minute that led to steals and quite frankly it was more due to Arizona's passiveness then Illinois's aggression. You've got to kill someone to the point you have them crying on the court and instead Arizona tried to milk the clock ala every damn coach in America--JT was infamous for this and I used to call him every name imaginable and most glaring time came in two of the most painful losses as a fan--'85 Title Game--Billy Martin/Horace Broadnax and in BET when we had UConn dead and buried.
As for today's games, give credit to the teams who won but I just can't take living in Big 10 Country and hearing how "great" Illinois is---I think they are a VERY GOOD team in a VERY, VERY, VERY MEDIOCRE YEAR for teams in CBB. They've faced one opponent who's decent and were beaten to death, until that opponent self destructed. This was a terrible loss for Arizona program because they weren't beaten, they beat themselves. I'd hate to be a Wildcat fan right now.
Great teams dominate at this time of year, they don't even have a game when presented with HOMECOURT as Illini were. I hope Louisville beats them by double digits but I doubt it, Illini and Bruce Weber, along with Weber's dead mother are too great of a "story". So expect the inevitable Illinois-UNC matchup CBS has creamed themselves for since Tournament started. I have gotten to see a lot of Bruce Weber and Illini up here in Twin Cities and while I respect Illini players, Weber comes off as a pompous, RICHARD-HEAD who's not only a nut job, but set up for some short term success. When Self's talent exits, I am anxious to see how Weber does. I don't like how he acts on sideline, off the court, and just view him as a grade A, "bottom" hole.
Too bad for West Virginia and Arizona kids, but you have to attack for 40 minutes, not until you are up double digits and then try to run the clock. The Illini win helped my bracket but ruined my tournament as I was really hoping to see CBS's dream ruined and don't have much faith in Wisconsin or winner of Austin Bracket taking care of UNC.
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EasyEd
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Post by EasyEd on Mar 27, 2005 11:21:02 GMT -5
I think Louisville goes all the way.
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DanMcQ
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Post by DanMcQ on Mar 27, 2005 14:17:10 GMT -5
I think Louisville goes all the way. You're in good company. My 5 year-old daughter picked them in our family pool.
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the_way
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Post by the_way on Mar 27, 2005 14:18:28 GMT -5
I don't know if Louisville is deep enough. They are going to have a hard time beating Illinois who is deep.
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TBird41
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Post by TBird41 on Mar 27, 2005 15:07:02 GMT -5
You're in good company. My 5 year-old daughter picked them in our family pool. Which is means it's a solid pick (or at least a better pick than one made out of spite )
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One
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Post by One on Mar 27, 2005 15:59:22 GMT -5
Quite a first half for the Sconies hanging in against UNC. I believe Dickie V said last night this game would be all about TEMPO, TEMPO TEMPO (picture Dickie V screaming and waving his arms) and if it was on pace to be in the 80s or 90s, UNC would run away with it. Well, the Badgers are hanging in for now in an up and down affair. Dickie V's analysis: wrong again.
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Big Dog
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Post by Big Dog on Mar 27, 2005 16:14:32 GMT -5
This would be a stunner, though I think UNC will just outlast them in the end. If UW wins of course, MSU plays for the right to match the Big East in 1985, to make up what would undoubtedly be the most stunning and improbable conference domination of a Final Four ever. NOBODY thought the Big Ten was any good.
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One
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Post by One on Mar 27, 2005 16:50:42 GMT -5
At least we're 3-for-3 in riveting, well-played regional finals. Here's hoping UK and MSU can top it off with another great game.
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Big Dog
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Post by Big Dog on Mar 27, 2005 17:10:37 GMT -5
Pardon me while I trumpet my home state's horn here for a minute, but am I crazy in thinking that the state of Wisconsin has been one of the very best performers in Division 1 this decade?
For a state that only has 4 D-1 programs, the five Sweet Sixteens (by 3 different schools) and 2 Final Fours (by two different schools) since the year 2000 match, or even surpass just about anybody.
Only Oklahoma and North Carolina have also put two different teams in the Final Four this decade. (A Kentucky win this afternoon adds that state to this group.)
Pennsylvania (5), Indiana (4), North Carolina (4), Oklahoma (3), California (3), Alabama (3), and Ohio (3) have also produced at least 3 different Sweet Sixteen reps. But other than Oklahoma, I know for a fact that each of those states has more than 4 D-1 programs (some far more than four).
Now UW-Green Bay just has to get going again like it did in the early '90s.
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EasyEd
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Post by EasyEd on Mar 27, 2005 19:26:29 GMT -5
With Kentucky and Michigan State going into overtime, the message from this weekend is "it ain't over till it's over". What an exciting group of games.
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GPHoya
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Post by GPHoya on Mar 27, 2005 19:40:09 GMT -5
Tubby gave it to Braswell.
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